Yoshihiro Akiyama’s Manager Jailed For Allegedly Stealing $140K From Him

Fan favorite Yoshihiro Akiyama is back in the limelight but this time, it’s not for his fighting career. Instead Akiyama makes headlines today for being the alleged victim of an embezzlement scandal five years ago that saw his now-former manager steal approximately $140,000 from Akiyama.

Sawayama Tarou is in custody for taking advantage of Akiyama’s trust, as he was put in charge of not only Akiyama’s professional finances but also his sponsorships and endorsement deals.

In 2010, Akiyama wrote on his blog about the theft that he noticed and turned over to the police in 2008.

Akiyama last fought Jake Shields at UFC 144, on February, 26th 2012. He lost a close decision to Shields, his fourth in a row. He was expected to fight Thiago Alves at UFC 149 last July but was forced out of that fight due to injury. No announcement has been made by Akayama, or the UFC on where he will end up next.

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